Best Transfer Options for Computer Science?

I'm studying at a community college and want to transfer to a university with a strong computer science program. Can anyone suggest colleges with good CS departments that are also transfer-friendly? Personal stories or advice would be really helpful.

As a community college student thinking of transferring, it's great that you're planning ahead to ensure a smooth transition to a four-year institution. I am going to provide a few recommendations of universities known for their computer science programs, and which have shown to be notably transfer-friendly.

1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA): UCLA's computer science program is consistently ranked high and the school has a robust community for transfer students. Since you're coming from a community college, you might be interested to know about UCLA's TAP (Transfer Alliance Program) which offers priority consideration for transfer to students at participating California Community Colleges.

2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor: Their computer science department is often ranked in the top ten nationally, and the school enrolls a large number of transfer students each year. They especially value applicants with strong community college records.

3. University of Texas at Austin: The UT Austin Computer Science program is highly ranked and the University is known for its transfer-friendly policies. They offer a specialized transfer orientation and a wide array of academic and social support to ease the transition.

4. University of Southern California (USC): USC offers the Trojan Transfer Plan (TTP), specifically designed to help students at selected community colleges transfer to USC. Their Viterbi School of Engineering, which houses the Computer Science department, is one of the top engineering schools in the country.

5. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill: UNC Chapel Hill has a strong CS program, and they receive a large number of transfer applications each year. They are committed to working with transfer students and can provide a lot of university resources to assist with the transition.

As you continue your research, consider scheduling virtual campus tours or info sessions with colleges that interest you. This will help you get a feel for the campus culture and give you more information about the computer science programs offered. It's also helpful to look into these schools' transfer admission rates to gauge your chances of being accepted. Good luck with your transfer process!